Phoenix zeylanica

Trimen

Ceylon Date

Arecaceae Edible: Fruit, Pith - starch 67 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Description

A slender palm. It has a single trunk. The trunk is 6 m high and 20-30 cm across. It is densely covered with old leaf bases. The crown is compact. The leaves are sharp and tend to hang down. The leaves are 2 m long. The leaflets are many and light green and stiff. They are sharply pointed. Leaflets are well spaced along the midrib. They arise in different planes. This gives the leaves a feathery appearance. The flowering stalks are much branched and spreading. The flowers are cream to yellow. The fruit are red to purplish-black. They are oval and 12 mm long.

Edible Uses

The sweet edible fruit is the primary edible portion. The stem pith can be used for starch in times of scarcity.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are sweet and edible. The pith of the stem can be used for starch in times of scarcity.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows near the sea.

Where It Grows

Asia, India, Sri Lanka,

Notes

There are 17 Phoenix species.

Synonyms

Phoenix pusilla Becc. non Gaertn.

Also Known As

Indi

References (6)

Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 449
Ashton, M. S., et al 1997, A Field Guide to the Common Trees and Shrubs of Sri Lanka. WHT Publications Ltd. p 81
Blomberry, A. & Rodd, T., 1982, Palms. An informative practical guide. Angus & Robertson. p 142
Haynes, J., & McLaughlin, J., 2000, Edible palms and Their Uses. University of Florida Fact sheet MCDE-00-50-1 p 11
Johnson, D.V., 1998, Tropical palms. Non-wood Forest products 10. FAO Rome. p 42

Show all 6 references